US Post Office-Christiansburg
a.k.a. DHR File No. 154-27
NW corner of public square, Christiansburg, VA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
1775: The Second Continental Congress establishes the Constitutional Post to provide postal services in the thirteen American colonies. Benjamin Franklin is appointed as the first Postmaster General.
1792: The Postal Service Act is passed, officially establishing the United States Postal Service as a federal agency. It sets the foundation for the organization and regulation of postal operations.
1847: The introduction of prepaid adhesive postage stamps revolutionizes mail delivery, simplifying the process and promoting efficiency.
1860: The Pony Express, a fast mail delivery service, is launched to transport mail between the eastern and western regions of the United States. It becomes famous for its daring riders and swift delivery.
1863: Free city delivery is introduced, allowing mail to be delivered directly to urban households and businesses rather than being picked up from local post offices.
1864: The Postal Money Order system is established, providing a secure way for people to send money through the mail.
1896: Rural Free Delivery (RFD) is implemented, bringing mail delivery to rural areas for the first time. This service significantly improves communication and connects rural communities to the rest of the country.
1971: The United States Postal Service is reorganized as an independent agency within the federal government, operating as the USPS. It is no longer directly controlled by the Postmaster General.
1974: The USPS introduces the ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) Code system, which assigns unique codes to geographic areas to improve mail sorting and delivery efficiency.
1997: The USPS launches its website, usps.com, providing online access to postal services, tracking, and information.
2001: Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the USPS faces security challenges and undergoes significant changes to enhance mail screening and protection.
2013: The USPS announces the end of Saturday mail delivery for regular letters and reduces delivery to five days a week.
Present: The USPS continues to be a vital service, handling billions of pieces of mail annually and adapting to changes in technology, communication, and the shipping industry. It plays a crucial role in connecting people, facilitating commerce, and serving as a backbone of the American communication infrastructure.
This timeline provides an overview of key milestones in the history of the USPS, which has played a crucial role in facilitating communication and connecting communities throughout the United States for over two centuries.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Virginia is known as the "Mother of Presidents" because eight U.S. presidents were born there. Additionally, two more presidents, William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor, were born in what is now Virginia before it became a state.
In the early years, Montgomery County primarily relied on agriculture, with residents farming crops such as tobacco, wheat, and corn. The creation of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad in the mid-19th century brought new opportunities, stimulating economic growth and population expansion. The county's proximity to the railroad line allowed for the development of small towns and industries.
Education has always played a crucial role in Montgomery County's history. In 1872, Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, now known as Virginia Tech, opened its doors in the town of Blacksburg. The institution became a catalyst for the county's transformation, attracting students and faculty members from different parts of the country. Virginia Tech's growth, along with the expansion of Radford University and New River Community College, has shaped Montgomery County into a center for education and innovation.
Today, Montgomery County is a vibrant and diverse community that blends its rich history with modern progress. It is home to stunning natural landscapes, including the Blue Ridge Mountains and the New River. The county continues to thrive economically through various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and education. With its historical significance, natural beauty, and thriving community, Montgomery County remains an important part of Virginia's heritage.
Montgomery County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Montgomery County, Virginia.
- 1776 - Montgomery County was established as part of Virginia.
- 1790 - The county's population was around 7,000 people.
- 1799 - The town of Christiansburg was founded.
- 1834 - The Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Virginia Tech) was established.
- 1872 - The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Immigration was founded at Blacksburg.
- 1940 - Population of Montgomery County reached over 23,000.
- 1964 - The College of William and Mary established a branch in Blacksburg.
- 1970 - The population of Montgomery County exceeded 50,000.
- 2007 - Population reached over 90,000.